Connector- Winter 2023

WINTER EDITION 2023

FOR SAFETY’S SAKE Plus Better Recruiting, Quality & Company Culture

16 Navigating Market Conditions 20 Quality is a Team Sport 28 Grow Your Business with SEAA

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Winter Edition December 2023

•

c ntents FEATURES 16

Management Strategies for Navigating Market Conditions Stressors on construction projects at the close of 2023.

By Michael Brady and Jeremy DeGrande

20

In the Field Quality is a Team Sport Training tips to make your life easier.

By Todd Alwood

28 24 For More than Safety’s Sake Winners of SEAA’s Excellence Awards for Training and Safety weigh in on the role training and safety have in recruiting, quality, and company culture.

By Macie Murie On the Cover: Team members from Gardner-Watson Decking participate in the 2023 Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction on a jobsite in Sarasota, Florida.

ONLINE HIGHLIGHTS Q SEAA Pledges to Stand Up for Suicide Prevention Q Hard Hat Sticker Contest Open to Everyone Q Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament Sinks a Hole in One

Check out our

Special Focus Put SEAA to Work for You How members are making the most of their member benefits.

By Tracy Bennett

DEPARTMENTS 8 Perspective 10 Association News 14 Product Focus 36 Business Operations 40 Topping Out

latest social media feeds.

seaa.net The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) is dedicated to advancing the common interests and needs of all engaged in building with steel. The Association’s objectives in achieving this goal include the promotion of safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, development and promotion of standards and cooperation with others in activities which impact the commercial construction business.

4 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, and related service providers. Connector reaches both small and large contractors working in union and open labor markets.

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Roger Ridpath, Art Director roger@ridpathcreative.com 816-792-9669 ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chris Legnon, Chairman, Cooper Steel Glen Pisani, Vice Chairman, MAS Building & Bridge Nathan Bloch, SDS2 Nick Caratelli, Nelson Stud Welding Oliver Gleize, OTH Rigging John Hughes, Industrial Training International Kris McLean, High Plains Steel Services Jackson Nix, Shelby Erectors Michael Waltman, Group Steel Erector Allie Sylvester, U-Vest Financial John Hegarty, Bowman Steel Todd Macintosh, JPW Erectors Connector™ is published quarterly by the Steel Erectors Association of America 353 Jonestown Rd, Suite 207 Winston-Salem, NC 27104

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Copyright 2023 by the Steel Erectors Association of America. No material may be reprinted without permission from the Executive Director. While the information and recommendations contained in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, the Steel Erectors Association of America, its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editors, designers, photographers, and media advisory committee, makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations and cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication or claims made by advertisers. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher.

Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing.

PERSPECTIVE By David Deem

If You Build It, They Will Come

O

n the way home from another successful Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament (thanks to all participants and sponsors, and congrats to Ron Coleman for the first ever hole in one winner), I found myself thinking about the progress SEAA has made since the pandemic.

In my first Perspective as President, I promised to keep the momentum going that I was lucky enough to inherit. Over the last three years a team of volunteers— board members and committee members—have worked hard to increase value for our members.

The kick start to better things The trials and tribulations of the 2019-2020 pandemic gave us the kick start we needed to look at this association with a fresh point of view. Priorities get re-aligned when so many of us were facing the loss of life, economic hardships, and depression. As an association, we were dealing with cancelled events, financial challenges, and a search for a new Executive Director. The Executive Committee commissioned a survey of our members to gauge what is important to us.

We then hired a consultant to evaluate the results.

The report was used to create a job description for a new Executive Director that aligned with our goals. My thanks to all that were involved in the process, particularly Geoff Kress, (SEAA President, 2020-2022), for his leadership during that time.

After a lengthy search and evaluation of many qualified candidates we found our leader in Pete Gum, who came on board in July of 2021. During the process, it was apparent that SEAA was respected throughout the industry due to the number of qualified candidates that applied. It was not a hard choice, as Pete was a unanimous decision and by all accounts, the correct one.

One of his first tasks was to spearhead a rewrite of our bylaws, which were outdated, contradictory, and inconsistent with North Carolina law. In addition, we now have a membership manual that defines our goals and expectations and can be easily revised as needed.

Upon review of the membership survey, ranking high in importance to members was the ability to interact with our peers. So, despite still navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic, SEAA was one of the first construction trade associations to hold an in-person convention in October 2021 in Orlando, Fla, which was quickly followed by one in April 2022, which was the 50th Anniversary of this organization. It was a risky move, but one that proved successful.

David Deem is President of Deem Structural Services, LLC, (AISC CSEA/MEE), and is President of the SEAA Board of Directors.

8 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

The value of networking An outside observer’s viewpoint is often enlightening. Each of our keynote speakers—professionals who see all kinds of industry groups—have told me how apparent it is that this industry group, while we may be competitors, genuinely like each other’s company. We are more “peer group” than “trade association,” which is why the membership committee, led by President Elect Jack Nix, established local peer group discussions in conjunction with our quarterly board meetings and Meet & Greet receptions.

A common topic during these peer group discussions is the current skilled trade shortage and the attrition of our labor pool. The good news is attitudes are changing about working in the trades. In January 2022 we held our first career fair in conjunction with Adaptive Construction Services in Houston, Texas, followed by another a year later with GMF Steel Group in Lakeland, Florida. Both events were well attended with lots of engagement by students participating in the many “hands on” stations provided by SEAA members and vendors. GMF has committed to hosting again in 2024 and SEAA will participate once again. Look for more to come in other regions as well.

Reflecting back to how the pandemic gave us renewed direction, the association leaders decided to stop tabling discussions and instead act and spend money to put tangible benefits in place to help our members. One of the biggest of these projects was the creation of more than 80 custom training videos, available for free to members. Read more about this on page 28.

All of this has contributed to a 30% increase in membership in the last two years alone. When exploring avenues for growth the common theme was evident; provide value to our members. The good news is the more membership grows, the more value we can provide. Not only because of increased capital to provide more services, but also because the talent pool available to tap in our collective “peer group” increases. Lastly, I would like to welcome Keri Goldstein to our staff as Director of Membership & Business Development to assist in that regard.

While many of the benefits we’ve outlined are for members, there are few we share with anyone—in hopes that you’ll decide to stick around. Peer Group discussions and Meet & Greet receptions are open to anyone in the industry. We will gather next on January 25, 2024, at the Renaissance Hotel in Glendale, Arizona, where we will return to in April for our Convention & Trade Show.

Your continued engagement ensures that SEAA will stay Steel Strong in the future.

•

ASSOCIATION NEWS ■ Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament Sinks a “Hole in One”

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES January Board of Directors Meeting Glendale, Arizona January 25 2024 Winter Meet & Greet Reception Glendale, Arizona January 25, 2024 Career Fair at GMF Steel Group Lakeland, Florida February 9, 2024

Cindy Schulz, widow of Dave Schulz, with friends and family The Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament returned to the Lonnie Poole golf course at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the first time since the tournament was named for former SEAA President (2018-2019) and 2009 Person of the Year Dave Schulz.

Schulz passed away in 2020.

“This homecoming would not have been complete without Cindy Schulz, Dave’s widow, and former president of Schulz Iron Works,” said David Deem, current SEAA President. Deem sported red tennis shoes in honor of Dave Schulz, who was a huge supporter of North Carolina State University and was frequently seen wearing red tennis shoes, even with a suit and tie.

Lonnie Poole Club Pro Scott Clagg also shared his fond memories of Schulz, having worked closely with him on planning the annual golf tournament for more than a decade.

“For the first time for as long as I’ve been involved in planning SEAA events, which is more than 20 years, we had someone make a Hole in One on #14, which was sponsored by Crane & Hoist Inspection Professionals,” said Carrie Gulajan, SEAA Vice President and chairperson of the Events Committee. “I’m told the whooping and shouting could be heard from several holes away,” she said.

Funds raised during this tournament and from the semi-annual Boom Lift Ball Drop, sponsored by United Rentals, support Safety & Education projects for the association.

10 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

SEAA President David Deem wore red tennis shoes in honor of Dave Schulz.

Ron Coleman won $5,000 for his 165-yard hole-inone shot using an 8 Iron.

The following individuals drove for show and putted for dough!

1st Place Team Representing United Rentals were Heath Crane, Derek Schafran, Summer Tate, and Terry Wilkerson. Schafran also scored one of the Closest to the Hole awards.

2nd Place Team The Safran Law Offices team was comprised of Stephan Safran, Oliver Fleming, Tyler Harrelson, and Cole Hallum. Hallum also won one of the Closest to the Hole awards and recorded the Longest Drive.

3rd Place Team Vision Contractors was represented by Matt Minetti, Ron Coleman, Jason Hopkins, Keith Rosling. Coleman won $5,000 for his 165yard hole-in-one shot using an 8 Iron.

4th Place Team Pat Dunn of L&D Steel USA, Beau Brosseau and Stacy Good of Infra Metals, and Jon Barbee of Construct Inc., placed fourth. Good also drove for one of the Closest to the Hole awards.

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Connector | WINTER EDITION December 2023 | 11

■ SEAA heads West for the 2024 Convention and Trade Show Scheduled for April 2-5 in Glendale, Arizona, SEAA’s 2024 Convention and Trade Show will feature a variety of education sessions, plenty of networking opportunities, the George R. Pocock Memorial Golf Tournament, a Pickleball Tournament at Chicken and Pickle, and so much more.

Keep in mind that The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will be held April 6-8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. This means that hotel rooms are at a premium. Registering and reserving your room early is highly recommended. When the SEAA block is full, we will not be able to get additional rooms. Discounts end on January 31, 2024.

Garrison Wynn, Fortune 500 Leader, Professional Standup Comedian, and Amazon #1 Best Seller, will give the Keynote Address on Winning the Talent War. The session is designed to provide leaders with actionable ideas and solutions that will assist in driving a sustainable culture that will help your organization to achieve its goals by attracting and keeping the people you need to succeed.

Awards are presented to members during the President’s Dinner.

Wednesday, April 3 kicks off with a breakfast learning session on how members can take advantage of important benefits, including a demo SEAA’s new SteelPros Training Portal. Later, members will share best practices during a panel discussion showcasing winning projects the year. Other highlights include insights into automation and the future of construction, and a serious look at the suicide problem in construction.

Additional sessions touch on practical matters—documenting non-conformance in detailing, how to improve cash flow, and tips for establishing a media policy.

Following the Trade Show on Thursday, April 4, hear from safety and training professionals, get insights into hiring Gen Z workers, and learn about critical litigation containment techniques.

The event will wrap up on Friday April 5, with a new opportunity for small group discussion. Limited to 25 participants for each group, attendees can choose between two Peer Group meetings. Speeding up the Process of Change Orders will be facilitated by Todd Macintosh of JPW Erectors and Recruiting and Engaging Field Employees will be led by Ryan Englin of Core Matters.

For more information on the Trade Show, First Timers Reception, President’s Dinner, and additional networking opportunities, visit seaa.net/seaa-convention—trade-show.com.

Panel discussions offer insights into problems and best practices.

Attendees rank the Trade Show as very important to their businesses.

Sessions

■ Director of Membership & Business Development Joins SEAA Staff

Keri Goldstein

SEAA has named Keri Goldstein as its Director of Membership & Business Development. In this new role, Goldstein will work with the board of directors and committees. She is responsible for member recruitment and retention programs.

In the last three years, the association has tripled its benefits programs and doubled in-person networking events. “The association’s investment in new services for members has driven membership growth by more

12 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

than 12 percent in the first three quarters of 2023 alone.

The timing was right to bring on a full-time staff person to provide intentional membership management,” said R. Pete Gum, Executive Director.

Goldstein will develop and implement a pro-active onboarding plan for new members, work to educate all members about available benefits in order to increase engagement, and set strategy for prospecting and association promotions.

■ SEAA Takes the Pledge

to Stand Up for Suicide Prevention

SEAA has joined other industry association stakeholders of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). Over 5,000 people working in construction die by suicide each year. That’s five times more than the annual number of jobsite fatalities.

“Within the construction industry, our niche is even more at risk. Of the 11 construction occupations cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, structural iron and steel workers are #1 and reinforcing iron and rebar workers are #2 for highest rates of suicide. SEAA encourages members to make corporate commitments to STAND up,” said R. Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. Learn more at preventconstructionsuicide.com.

The STAND Up pledge SAFE: We pledge to create a culture in which team members feel safe to ask for help if they are having suicidal thoughts or if they are concerned that their fellow co-workers are at risk of suicide.

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TRAINING: We pledge to make suicide prevention training available to all team members so that they can recognize the warning signs and be equipped to help those at risk.

AWARENESS: We pledge to raise awareness by sharing the message of suicide prevention through such organizational activities as trainings, safety meetings, toolbox talks, team meetings, newsletters, and social media posts.

NORMALIZE: We pledge to normalize the topic of suicide prevention as a health and safety priority by talking about suicide, suicide prevention, and mental health.

DECREASE: We pledge to help decrease the risk of suicide in construction by ensuring that all team members have access to an awareness of our EAP/MAP, behavioral health benefits, screening tools, community crisis support, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and Crisis Text Line.

Connector | WINTER EDITION December 2023 | 13

PRODUCT FOCUS

■ Optimize Lifting Operations with 3D Lift Plan Steven Beemsterboer, a Project Manager for Metropolitan Steel, was the First-Place winner for his lift plans of an ongoing project for the Chicago Department of Transportation. The company is erecting the steel for Damen Greenline Station, a rapid transit station, expected to open in 2024.

“For us, 3D Lift Plan has been a game-changing solution for three-dimensional crane modeling. It was invaluable for navigating this difficult project and transformed the way we approach crane operations, revolutionizing our workflow and driving unprecedented efficiency,” said Beemsterboer, who is a Level 3 Certified Expert user of the program.

“By leveraging 3D Lift Plan, we can now create meticulously detailed lift plans to scale, allowing us to make cost-effective decisions that save both time and money. With the ability to select the ideal crane model and determine the correct capacities for each specific job, we can confidently optimize our lifting operations. On this specific project, we had many twists and turns requiring us to change crane models, location of the crane, rigging, and more,” added Beemsterboer.

■ Magni Announces High Capacity

Fixed Boom Telehandler

■ Eight New Grinders from Makita Makita U.S.A. has released eight new grinders for a wide range of applications. The release includes five 5-inch grinders and three 4 1-/2-inch grinders. The GA45 series and GA50 series feature Makita’s exclusive SJS™II Technology, a mechanical gear drive system that helps prevent motor and gear damage by dampening the force and releasing the gears when the wheel is forced to stop.

Since it’s mechanical (not electronic), it does not require a restart after the wheel binds. Another key advantage is lower vibration for increased operator comfort during extended use.

14 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Magni America introduces TH 5,5.24 fixed boom telehandler with maximum lifting height of 78’5” and lifting capacity of 12,100 pounds. The telehandler is equipped with standard 4-wheel drive and three types of steering (front, 4-wheel, and crab) to provide maneuverability on rough terrain.

Pivoting front outriggers add stability and versatility. A digital Load Moment Indicator (LMI) is unique to Magni equipment. An intelligent system that utilizes RFID-tagged attachments automatically updates the LMI’s digital display with the precise load chart for the task at hand. Magni has enhanced this by incorporating load-limiting technology that prevents operators from exceeding safe operating parameters.

■ Cordless Stud Fusion from Hilti Hilti North America recently released the FX 3-A Cordless stud fusion system to help revolutionize fastening on steel. The cordless stud fusion is up to 75 percent faster than traditional welding methods and is a fully mobile and autonomous system with no power cables needed. With virtually no sparks, splatters, fumes, and no angle grinder needed for the surface preparation, this fastening method helps shield users from heat and gas. Additionally, the Active Fusion Indicator (AFI) gives the installer systematic real-time feedback to help improve the quality of fastening.

■ Change the Way You Hire Technical skills are important when hiring, but so are soft skills. When it comes to communication, engagement, and critical thinking, do you know what to look for when interviewing to make sure you get someone with the soft skills your team needs? The new book, Hire Better People Faster, co-authored by Ryan Englin and Jeremy Macliver, can help business leaders reduce turnover by more than 130 percent, fill all open job positions within 90 days, and receive 600 percent more applications than competitors. Available now at Walmart, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.

■ New Virtual Reality Headset

Spark Interest in Welding

Lincoln Electric has added a cutting-edge new product to its education lineup.

The Voyage™ Arc Virtual Reality Welding Headset is an interactive, immersive classroom platform that introduces students to welding fundamentals. The tool is designed to spark interest in careers involving welding by enabling techsavvy students to learn in a virtual setting that many of them already enjoy in real life – an amusement park. As they don the Voyage Arc all-in-one headset, students leave the distractions of the classroom behind and are transported to a realistic, virtual amusement park where they are tasked with “welding” park equipment such as a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, sky drop ride or bumper car before earning a virtual ride.

•

Connector | WINTER EDITION December 2023 | 15

MANAGEMENT By Michael Brady and Jeremy DeGrande

Strategies for Navigating Market Conditions A look at what is stressing construction projects at the close of 2023

C

onstruction in manufacturing and infrastructure remains strong, while the commercial sector is lagging, according to Engineering News-Record’s 2023 2Q survey of its Top 400 Contractors. And despite the Federal Reserve’s efforts, respondents reported concern regarding the general economic outlook. However, contractors remain busy — many report a higher-than-normal backlog of projects and demand for their services. These conditions add up to a competitive construction market with some unprecedented stressors.

Michael Brady is a Senior Account Executive and Jeremy DeGrande, MBA, CHMM, CSP is Director of Self Perform Construction for Haley Aldrich. H&A’s nationwide team of environmental and geotechnical engineering consultants offer diverse construction and consulting services to help lower project delivery costs, shorten timelines, and mitigate schedule uncertainties. Learn more about the company at www.haleyaldrich.com.

Current market conditions ENR surveyed construction executives between May 15 and June 26 and published its report in July 2023. Using the results, the publication rated the current market outlook a 40 on its 100-point Construction Industry Confidence Index, which quantifies how confident these executives feel about the state of the market now, in three to six months, and in 12 to 18 months. This rating is down four points from the previous quarter.

“Confidence in the current construction market is virtually unchanged,” reported ENR, “but execs have become more pessimistic about the short- and medium-term future. About 40.1% see a declining market three to six months from now, up from 32.5% last quarter, and 33.3% see a decline 12-to-18 months from now, up from 21.4%.”

This outlook varies by market. Firms working in the industrial and manufacturing spaces held the rosiest view — 53 percent reported seeing improved activity currently, and that number rose to 64 percent for the

16 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

outlook over the next 12 to 18 months. In the environmental and hazardous waste sector, most (56 percent) reported stable activity currently, and a plurality (44 percent) expect that state to continue in 12 to 18 months from the time of the survey. In contrast, 70 percent of those working in the commercial office market reported declining activity now, although 48 percent expect that to stabilize in 12 to 18 months.

Also, according to ENR, the labor shortages that have long plagued construction projects persist, “although executives say they have lessened short-term, with 27.5% reporting that staff shortages have eased either a little (22.4%) or a lot (5.1%). The equivalent number last year was only 7.3%.”

ENR also cited results from the Construction Financial Management Association’s (CFMA) Q2 Confindex survey, published in June 2023, which solicits quarterly feedback from construction company chief financial officers. Blaming the March collapses of two U.S. banks and tightening, more expensive

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access to credit, CFMA reported that “recent events have sapped a meaningful share of CFO confidence.” At the same time, CFMA said, “[F]or now, contractors remain busy. In addition to mega-projects related to reshoring and infrastructure, contractors continue to work on projects financed at a time when the capital was both cheap and plentiful.”

Projects trending expensive and slow The current market stressors include available supply of labor equipment, prices and lead times for materials, and payment terms being delayed.

1. Labor shortages and inexperience. Most of us have likely felt the effects of construction’s dire worker shortage. Even with the easing up reported by ENR, we continue to observe many related issues. Workers are experiencing fatigue and burnout, which can result in staff turnover and longer project timelines. As more people attain higher-level positions earlier in their careers, they may lack experience, which can cause delays.

2. Heavy demand for equipment and materials.

We’ve found that it’s wise to plan well in advance for equipment required on a job

site. Although demand for equipment seems to be stabilizing, it remains high, which can delay work and raise overall project costs.

For example, for one project that would require heavy off-road trucks, local advisors suggested we rent the trucks a full two months before the start of the project to make sure they’d be secured to start work later — increasing overall project costs.

3. Similar trends apply to most materials. Project teams may need to order supplies well in advance to secure what they need in time for a job. Fortunately, we have seen indications that prices seem to be stabilizing for many materials, including lumber, cement, and structural steel — a trend backed by the Confindex survey, which reported that 36% of contractors saw materials prices improving over the last year, up from 31 percent of contractors in Q1.

4. Cost uncertainty and pressure on cash flow.

Project teams and businesses face a tricky environment for budgeting. Volatile pricing makes costs unpredictable — which is especially challenging when you’re also trying to build enough lead time into projects to secure scarce supplies. This has led to unprecedentedly short subcontractor

duration quotes, with quotes holding for a week or even less. As we have experienced recently, a deal will often proceed much more slowly, given the many stakeholders involved. So it has become very difficult to estimate cost with any certainty.

Additionally, more clients are extending their pay terms to cope with higher project costs — meaning that service providers may not see their bills paid for an extra month or more. Which, of course, makes it more difficult for them to meet their own costs.

Address the challenges Current market challenges are likely to persist in the near term. Even though, as the ENR survey indicates, executives expect some markets to fare worse than others, issues like labor shortages and supply and equipment shortages impact everyone. So what can you do to navigate them?

Plan ahead and actively manage your schedule. We now often build extra time into projects, whether that’s to protect a smaller team of workers from fatigue or to secure materials well in advance. We also work with stakeholders early on in a project to make decisions about how much time to add in, when to order materials, and more.

We’ve seen many projects for which buffer time and early relationship management have proven crucial. We have mitigated further delays through careful relationship management and persistence with suppliers and subcontractors— following up often, clearly stating objectives, and keeping lines of communication open with our client so that it knew exactly what to expect and why.

Communicate often and transparently.

If you’re adding extra time, you’re adding extra cost. We make sure to explain the nature of all costs and clarify that they’re driven by market conditions. Frequent, open communication has become essential to smooth project management in this market, whether it’s about volatile costs or other market-driven snags. In our experience, the more you communicate, the better.

In sum, relationship-management skills — the ability to communicate with clarity, to navigate difficult conversations, and to inspire trust — have a particularly important role to play in project management these days. Given the expectation, reflected in the ENR survey, that market and general economic uncertainty will continue, employing those skills is a great habit to have.

•

18 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

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IN THE FIELD by Todd Alwood

Quality is a Team Sport Training tips to make your life easier

Quality Management impacts every area of a business.

Emphasize how understanding the role of quality in each specific departments empowers employees to contribute to its effectiveness and integration.

Q

uality control is not just about plans and processes. It’s also about where the rubber meets the road, or in the case of steel fabrication and erection, where the arc meets the metal.

If there’s one thing we know about training, it’s that actually doing something is more effective than talking about it. We can talk about how helping your staff develop their skills–investing in their success as an individual–cuts down on attrition. We can talk about how important it is that everyone on a team knows what their quality management system does and how it works.

But doing is more effective than talking– and people who do it know more than people who talk about it. The seven people you’ll meet here do steel construction quality training on a regular basis. Every shop or jobsite is different, but these lessons have broad applicability. Read on for their tips, tricks, and lessons learned.

Todd Alwood is Vice President of Membership & Certification for the American Institute of Steel Construction.

Develop a sense of ownership Nate Lindell with Project + Quality Solutions

When training employees on the Quality Management System (QMS) in a steel fabrication setting, focus on its tangible benefits and real-world applications. Instead of simply explaining requirements and processes, illustrate how the QMS enhances steel product quality, reduces errors, and boosts customer satisfaction. Demonstrate that the QMS is more than rules; it’s a valuable tool supporting their work and the company’s success.

Engage employees by involving them in the training. Ask for their input on QMS improvements and implementations specific to their roles. This fosters ownership and accountability, making training more relevant. When employees sense their stake in the system, they’re more likely to invest in its success and adhere to its requirements.

Highlight that the QMS spans all business areas. Emphasize how understanding its role in their specific departments empowers employees to contribute to its effectiveness and integration. This not only enhances individual contributions but also reinforces its overall impact on the company’s success.

20 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Train for understanding, not just compliance Tom Anderson with Atema

Employees do as they are told to be compliant, but they might not understand the reasons why a requirement is necessary or must be followed. This might lead to disengaged employees who don’t take ownership of their work. When we teach why a process is needed, what issues are prevented, and how it makes the employees work better, they are more likely to be engaged and take ownership of their work.

As an example, welders use rod ovens at a jobsite. Welders know they should take what they need from the rod oven and promptly return the unused rods. But do they know why? Do they understand how weld quality is affected by hydrogen?

Suppose management takes the time to teach why rods must be stored in a heated oven and how weld quality can be adversely affected by hydrogen in welds.

In that case, this training goes beyond bare minimum compliance and will help educate employees who understand why their actions and their work matter.

Connector | WINTER EDITION December 2023 | 21

When we teach why a process is needed, what issues are prevented, and how it makes the employees work better, they are more likely to be engaged and take ownership of their work.

Listen to your employees and your data

Joshua Mizzell and Nick Accordino with Cooper Steel Training is one of the most important parts of business, but only when the training is administered in such a way the trainee perceives it as an essential tool in their everyday work. How do we accomplish this? By supplying training that not only yields accountability but ensures the trainees’ engagement and understanding of every aspect of the tool they are given.

Having the buy-in of the individuals being trained is bar none the most important part of a company’s assets, but they must first understand the plan and the purpose of the topic at hand.

In order to provide pertinent training, we collect data throughout the different layers of the company. Logging non-conformances, quality discrepancies, trending issues, and also conforming products. Each item is broken down into various categories, helping

show trending patterns and providing us with topics for training. These topics are then incorporated into our Learning Management System, a system that requires the interaction of each employee by reading a segment of information and taking a quiz.

These are accompanied by hands-on discussions, which help ensure the employee is engaged and fully understands the root cause and potential repercussions of said topics. This is done monthly, quarterly, and whenever we feel an important topic needs to be discussed.

We believe it is critical to ensure that all employees are in a safe and comfortable environment with the understanding that all questions are encouraged. Our goal is to have each employee interact not only with us as managers but also with each other. They are an asset to the quality department just as the quality department is an asset to them.

Make training part of the daily routine

Drew Heron with Deem Structural Steel One of the ways we have found success in implementing our quality management system and getting buy-in from our field employees is to have a “Quality Minute” every morning. We do this when we are having our daily safety meetings and field personnel are filling out the daily job hazard analysis. This is always a great time to get everyone focused on the task at hand and put quality and safety in the forefront. Quality and safety go hand in hand. We discuss any current quality issues we are having on the project or any potential quality problems we may encounter during the scope of our daily work. In addition to project-specific quality items, we discuss topics that have

been identified company-wide. Doing these daily keeps things simple and easier to digest for our team members.

Embrace modern communication methods

Mark Yerke with S&R Enterprises, LLC One of the biggest tips/tricks we have utilized at S&R is the use of Microsoft Teams to record quality management system training for the field. If we’ve learned one thing since early 2020, it’s that it is now easier to reach people by video recordings or conferences via phone and computer apps than ever before. So, whether it is a 30-second clip on a small change to RCSC or a 30-minute training video on proper use of the Skidmore, a video hits home and can be more engaging than paper. Gone are the days of just handing out a 100-page manual update for field craft workers to read–now is the time to break that down into manageable modern bites!

Inspect your inspectors and train your trainers Dennis Haught with Quality Management Company

Too many times management mistakenly assumes that personnel conducting quality inspections are, in fact, conversant in performing required inspections. So to bolster one's training program and to ensure personnel are capable of performing inspections, management should verify the comprehension of personnel via testing and/or exercises.

Additionally, management needs to make sure that those individuals who are responsible for training personnel are also well qualified in the subject matter that they are teaching. We can’t stress enough the importance of training the trainer!

•

A certified advantage!

During an AISC Certification audit, the QMC auditor commonly uses opportunities for improvement (OFI) to suggest different ways a participant might add value to their quality system. So what is an OFI? It’s a suggestion or opinion based on the auditor’s experience that could add value to the QMS or the erector’s safety management systems. They don’t require action or a response, but they should be discussed during the participant’s management review meeting.

It’s essentially free expert advice.

One common OFI that QMC auditors write is for participants to continually educate their QCIs using various sources. One major opportunity to do so is QualityCon at NASCC: The Steel Conference. The next one is in San Antonio,

22 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Texas, March 20-22, 2024. QualityCon will feature more than 20 sessions focused on quality systems and how to help improve yours. In a particularly useful 2023 session (Contractor QC Training and Task Management Tips and Traps), Tim Duke of Williams Erection Company talked about how to motivate workers to buy into the QC process, streamline documentation, and assure that the process works as intended. (If you missed it, that’s ok! AISC has the recording available as a free download at learning.aisc.org, where you’ll find hundreds of other sessions on steel-related topics.)

COVER STORY By Macie Murie

FOR MORE THAN SAFETY’S SAKE The role of training and safety excellence in recruiting, quality and culture Winners of SEAA’s Training and Safety Excellence Awards participated in a panel discussion at the 2023 Convention & Trade Show. Ed Valencia, Corporate Safety Director, Derr & Gruenewald Construction (center), said: “By emphasizing safety during training, employees develop a mindset of precision and thoroughness.”

W

orker safety is consistently one of the top priorities on any construction project, and with good reason.

Since 2008, construction has experienced more total deaths than any other industry, and that figure doesn’t include fatalities from suicide. Our industry also has higher injury rates than most other professions, and unfortunately, safety costs.

The industry loses $5 billion annually due to construction-related deaths. The number is measured by lost productivity, loss of family income, and pain and suffering, according to the Midwest Economic Policy Institute.

However, today’s safety and training leaders recognize the impact of investing in creating a culture of safety. During a panel discussion at the 2023 Convention & Trade Show in St. Augustine, Florida, attendees were able to hear from the Macie Murie is Assistant Editor of Connector and Associate Client Manager for Mighty Mo Media Partners.

2023 World Class Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Winners.

The Safety Excellence Award went to seven SEAA member companies in three categories. Recipients were selected based on evaluations of their EMR ratings, OSHA 300 statistics, and safety program processes over the last three years.

Scoring was based on points assigned to a multi-criteria analysis, conducted in blind review by members of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Applicants were evaluated on the portability of credentials, availability of apprenticeship programs, training, and recruitment efforts, in comparison to other companies of similar size.

“Good safety records, comprehensive training aligned with long-term career paths, and awards recognitions, are among the criteria that prospective employees consider when deciding where to apply. Beyond the inherent value of being a safe company, it’s also a great marketing tool in a highly competitive

24 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

market,” said outgoing Safety & Education Committee Chairman Bryan McClure, during the panel. The following are excerpts from the panel discussion.

What are the negative impacts to a business when EMR rates are above the average?

Kulvinskas: Most quality projects require that you have an EMR rate below 1.

Above average rates will negatively affect your business and the ability to win projects.

Valencia: If you have an above average EMR, you are paying higher insurance premiums. Some insurance companies won’t want to cover your company at all and owners and general contractors might not hire you because there is a higher risk for injuries on their projects.

Zyla: However, it can be a positive motivator within your company to help drive staff to work together to drop the number. Being a multi-year calculation, it’s a long-term effort to have it drop.

Safety & Training Panelists Derr & Gruenewald Construction, LLC Ed Valencia, Corporate Safety Director Ezra Presley, Project Manager Derr & Gruenewald Construction is a full-service steel fabrication, steel erection, detailing, metal decking and precast concrete contractor. Based in Colorado, the company performs work throughout the United States. In 2023, Derr & Gruenewald Construction received World Class recognition for both its Craft Training and Safety programs. As a Category 1 employer, they employ more than 121 ironworkers annually.

Gardner-Watson Decking Jason Kulvinskas, Vice President Mark Cox, Project Manager Gardner-Watson Decking began in 2005 as a one crew operation in Florida with one truck and one client. The full-service metal decking installation company now employs 190 plus and operates more than 20 crews nationwide. Floor and roof deck projects include distribution facilities, data centers, hospitals, arenas, cold storage, warehouses, and other jobs. In 2023, Gardner-Watson Decking received World Class recognition for the Safety Excellence Award.

High Plains Steel Services Kris McLean, President & Project Executive High Plains Steel Services, LLC is a premier structural steel fabricator and steel erector located in Northern Colorado. Established in 2012, High Plains Steel Services is driven by its core values and leverages their strong and

What is another way to take advantage of good EMR ratings and safety records?

Kulvinskas: We are very proud of our .61 EMR rating which we achieved in 2022 with over 400,000-man hours. During the hiring process, we let candidates know that safety is our focus, and they need to share our goal of everyone coming home safe after work.

experienced team with leading edge technology and company owned facilities and equipment to provide turn-key steel construction solutions. In 2023, High Plains Steel Services received a World Class Safety Excellence Award.

L.R. Willson & Sons Jonathan Mosebach, Safety Director L.R. Willson & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1951 and started as a one man show. From its humble beginnings, L.R. Willson & Sons now employes more than 250 people and has become a leading structural steel, precast, and tilt up erector, and crane rental company serving the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan construction markets. In 2023, L&R Wilson & Sons received premier level recognition for the Safety & Excellence Award.

Shelby Erectors Jason Zyla, Safety Manager Founded in 1997, Shelby Erectors is a labor subcontractor that specializes in bridge construction—the installation of reinforcing steel and Stay-in-Place metal decking. The family-owned business is led by Jennifer Nix, owner and President, and employs workers on job sites across Florida. In 2023, Shelby Erectors received a World Class Craft Training Award (Category 2; 61-120 Ironworkers employed annually), and a Gold Safety Excellence Award.

Additional Safety Excellence Winners Empire Steel Erectors, Premier Level Black Cat, LLC , Gold

In what ways does training for safety also contribute to training for and maintaining quality control?

Valenica: Safety and quality go hand in hand, by emphasizing safety during training employees develop a mindset of precision and thoroughness which naturally extends to maintaining quality control measures.

With a positive safety and quality program you will without a doubt be productive.

Zyla: Training for safety not only helps protect employees and reduce workplace accidents but also contributes to maintaining quality control by promoting efficient processes, preventing errors, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. It reinforces each other to create a safer and higher-quality working environment.

In what ways does your company develop team leaders?

“We want everyone at Shelby to not only grow professionally but also personally.” Jason Zyla, Safety Manager, Shelby Erectors

Mosebach: We have found that workers who came up through the field have become the best leaders. When people show initiative and drive, we take that and help them

build a career in the industry.

Cox: All of our foremen and team leaders are promoted from working in the field. We look for workers who are positive, detail oriented, and safety conscious. All of our leaders must embrace safety because it’s one of our main priorities.

What is something unique that your company does through the onboarding and career path development process?

McLean: We offer a tremendous amount of training for employees, and we have also implemented a certified ironworker apprenticeship program.

Mosebach: We focus a lot on developing our crane operators. They start as a laborer putting cranes together, then move into the truck driver role transporting the parts of the crane, then into the seat of a crane. At minimum, this is a two-year process. We want our workers to know the ins and outs of the cranes before they even think about moving into a more demanding role.

Presley: We prove to our new employee’s

Connector | WINTER EDITION December 2023 | 25

that safety is our priority by showing them the research and testing we have successfully completed on our training tower through videos and hands on training.

“We focus a lot on developing our crane operators.

At minimum, this is a two-year process.” Jonathan Mosebach, Safety Director, L.R. Willson & Sons

What is your company’s philosophy on continuous skills improvement?

Zyla: We do a Personal – Professional Improvement program that has a direct effect on profit sharing in Shelby Erectors.

It carries a 30% weight against your total score of 100%. We want everyone at Shelby Erectors to not only grow professionally but also personally. We have an NCCER Apprenticeship Program that new and existing employees have to pass. Our safety training focuses a lot on new equipment and PPE that is coming out. On a personal level we leave it up to the individual to make the choice of bettering themselves—from learning a different language, computer skills, or how to manage your finances.

McLean: We are currently revamping our entire training program to offer regimented, employment term-based training as well as providing opportunities for company sponsored advanced training for skills such as Ironworker Apprenticeship, Certified Welding Inspectors, and Certified Crane Operators.

What tools or technologies do you use in safety education and skills training?

Valencia: We use a safety audit tracking application called I-Auditor. It keeps track of repeated hazards on the project so we can focus on the trends we need to eliminate.

We also use a detailed application that is like a virtual “Wallet Card” for tracking training. This allows us to look at the matrix to assure all employees are receiving the proper training for their task.

Kulvinskas: In addition to classroom training which is led by safety field reps, we use videos, online training courses, and have implemented a safety checklist in our Fieldwire application. We have found that this combination really works for us and our crew members.

Mosebach: Luckily, we went paperless in 2011. It has put learning in the hands of every crew member. This has made a world of difference for us as a company because it has allowed me to diversify their training and the presentation is available to everyone on the crew when its needed.

What are you doing to pass knowledge down as senior team members retire?

Mosebach: We pair some of the up-and-coming young employees with the more experienced guys to get some of the knowledge passed along. Most of the old school guys are not your typical teacher type, but we have been lucky that some of our younger workers are willing to sit back and watch the older guys work, and it appears they’ve been taking notes.

Valencia: We facilitate job shadowing where junior employees can observe and learn from retiring team members during their day-to-day tasks and expose employees to various roles to broaden their skill sets.

Kris McLean (right), President and Project Executive of High Plains Steel, receives World Class Safety Excellence Award from Bryan McClure.

What safety or training issues keep you up at night?

Zyla: When we get a job where the bridge deck fall distance is between 6-ft. and 17.5ft. it’s a difficult distance for what we do. It’s not that easy to construct something when on a bridge deck with those distances, and we are not really fans of the retractable lifelines at those heights. We take the worstcase scenario of the retractable being fully out, and at this point you need maximum fall distance. It’s a constant challenge with primary contractors when we come across this issue.

McLean: Engagement. We have a society of people who are checked out and unaware of what is happening around them and it can be dangerous. Situational awareness is a key to being safe and keeping your teams safe on the jobsites.

Mosebach: Fall protection. It will be a never-ending battle. There will always be someone who thinks they are invincible and unhook for some reason.

Valencia: We all like to think that we are doing enough training but beyond the frequency of the training, it is just as important—if not more important—to know that the employees completely understand all of it and can easily apply it to the field.

•

Gardner-Watson Decking’s President Geoff Kress and Vice President Jason Kulvinskas (center) surrounded by the rest of their team receive the World Class recognition for the Safety Excellence Award.

26 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

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SPECIAL FOCUS By Tracy Bennett

Put SEAA to Work for You

How members are making the most of their member benefitss

I

n the last three years, SEAA has tripled its benefits programs and doubled in-person networking events. “By offering more opportunities for our members to connect and the chance to tap new hiring, training, and business resources, we are giving

contractors the tools they are seeking to better run their businesses,” said R. Pete Gum, Executive Director.

The average membership fee is $1,640, while the value of services available to members is greater than $30,000 annually. “Whether you are already a member, but not taking full advantage of the resources available to you, or you are not yet a member, this information is for you,” said Jack Nix, Chief Operations Officers for Shelby Erectors and Chairman of the Membership Committee.

Shared connections Every association says the primary benefit of participation is the networking, but members of SEAA say it best themselves. SEAA holds an annual Convention & Trade Show that rotates between east and west locations. The 2024 event is April 2-5 in Glendale, Arizona.

Other opportunities to meet include regional Meet & Greet receptions and Peer Group discussions that take place in conjunction with summer, fall, and winter Board of Directors meetings held at various locations around the country. The Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Members and guests discuss issues facing their businesses in small group settings during Peer Groups.

28 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Tracy Bennett is Managing Editor of Connector and President of Mighty Mo Media Partners.

CONNECTING STEELopens STRONG LEADERS IN ARIZONA at SEAA.net Registration this November

Blaze ato Glendale Trail CONNECTING STEEL STRONG LEADERS IN ARIZONA

2024

CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW APRIL 2-5, 2024 | GLENDALE, ARIZONA RENAISSANCE HOTEL & SPA

GEORGE R. POCOCK MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT | PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT | PANEL DISCUSSIONS Connector | FIELD WINTERPRACTICES EDITION December 2023 | 29 TRADE SHOW | NETWORKING | EDUCATION SESSIONS ON BUSINESS TECHNICAL & SAFETY

The Trade Show is an opportunity to learn about new products and new applications.

Tournament is a fundraiser event held every fall. It also alternates between east and west.

“Our company is where it is today because of the networking through SEAA. For 25 years, SEAA has contributed to my personal growth as a business owner and the overall improvement of our company. Other members willingly answer questions pertaining to industry standards, OSHA regulations, subcontract language, and more,” said David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services and President of SEAA (2022-2024).

When it comes to sharing safety and training tips, Bryan McClure, Partner, Trivent Safety Consulting, and current Secretary of the SEAA Board of Directors, said during a recent panel discussion with several member company safety directors: “We’re all competitors, but we’re not competitors here at SEAA, and it’s a beautiful thing.

I’ve been a part of a lot of associations and none of them do it as well as this group does.”

Jon Mosebach, Safety Director for L.R. Willson & Sons, admits that coming to in-person meetings is an investment in time and money for his company, but that the information gained is exceptional. “I have learned that the same struggles occur no matter how big or how small a company is—the issues are often industry-wide. Some of the best conversations spill over after a meeting is over. Even when not at meetings, I have found it easy to reach out to other members

Want to learn more or find out how to join?

•

Explore Member Benefits and Member Tools at seaa.net.

•

Check out our Did You Know? series of videos.

•

Contact Pete Gum at executivedirector@seaa.net or Keri Goldstein, Director of Membership & Business Development, at keri@seaa.net.

30 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

of SEAA to ask a question or advice on a situation.”

Founded just six years ago, FM Steel Construction is one of those younger, growing organizations for which rationalizing membership absolutely has to make business sense. “Early on it was tough for us to justify joining and attending in-person meetings,” said Michael Mulsow, Director of Operations. “The first time I went to a meeting, I decided to roll the dice and take a chance. Without a doubt, going to my first convention was worth its weight in gold. From the beginning, I was greeted with amazing friendliness, and tips and lessons from some big-time erectors. Some of those tips have saved me enough headaches and costs to cover the expense of all of the meetings I’ve attended,” he said.

The same is true for suppliers, who get involved by exhibiting at the annual Trade Show and sponsoring various activities. “While we do not do business with all SEAA members, we find that relationships are built and grown within the organization. I cannot put a value on what we gain as it is really priceless,” said Kalvan Peeler, Senior Field Sales-Carolinas, for Nelson Stud Welding.

He adds: “I have made connections that have allowed me to help and support members in regions that I am not responsible for. I believe this is part of what SEAA is about, bringing people in the same industry together to help grow one another.” As an example, Peeler shared a story from the 2022 Convention. “I connected two of my customers and that introduction helped one of them gain yet another connection that helped the company grow,” said Peeler.

A priority on training Training ironworkers and improving safe work practices has been a priority for the association for decades. It is not a coincidence that the association was founded in 1971, the same year OSHA was formed. Some 20 years later, members were involved in discussions closely tied to safety when OSHA formed the Steel Erection Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee. Among the key contributions from SEAA members were related to using anchor bolts on columns,

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requiring two holes in each column for safety cables, and utilization of a stabilizer clip. Then in 2000, SEAA provided funds and subject matter experts to help develop NCCER’s Ironworker curriculum.

Today, SEAA members have access to premier Craft Training.

As an NCCER sponsored organization, SEAA takes the administrative burden and expense off of member companies who are ready to establish formal training processes or even a DOL-approved apprenticeship program. The admin and implementation support SEAA provides would cost member companies close to $12,000 to establish on their own.

The craft training options extend beyond just Ironworker Levels 1, 2 and 3. It also includes access to Reinforcement Ironworker Levels 1 and 2, Rigger, Signal Person, Crane Operator, and a new SEAA custom Fabricator curriculum.

L&L Construction is an AISC-certified steel erector with a focus on Level 3 Ironworker Apprenticeship. The company was also able to use SEAA’s Apprenticeship Standard to register their program with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. For L&L, becoming an accredited training unit is helping them solve their recruiting challenges.

“Currently, we have two apprentices enrolled in the program along with some other interested individuals from area high schools. We also have a student in a co-op program from a local vo-tech school that plans to stay in the program once he graduates this spring. I visit local high schools and tech schools in the early spring seeking individuals looking to learn more about the trade of ironworking,” said Shane Hess, Operations Manager, who noted that having a formal apprenticeship in place is key to recruiting new workers.

In addition, because L&L is also established as an NCCER assessment site, they are able to help other trades who need employees to be trained and tested. “With that, we are able to provide this service to a lot of local contractors, which helps them advance in their trade,” he said.

As a professional training company, Trivent Safety Consulting has developed many of its own OSHA, Crane and Rigging, Fall Prevention and related training courses. However, as an authorized Training Unit and Assessment Site through SEAA’s sponsorship, the company makes use of the NCCER Crane Operator Certification program.

“We like the NCCER Crane Operator Certification program because it is a better user experience for crane operators than other certifications. After proctoring their written exams, we are able to give operators their results immediately. In addition, the results come with training recommendations if there are areas that the operator needs to work on, which refers back to the appropriate sections of the NCCER curriculum,” said Bryan McClure, Partner.

For example, if an operator misses questions on pre-op inspection or setup, they will know as soon as they get their results, what areas to brush up on. Practical exams are also a better experience for operators because they are allowed to take their practical exam in the crane they are used to operating as long as the setup area meets prescribed requirements. In addition, they can get their results the same day.

“The cost savings to us is that SEAA essentially provides us with a personal NCCER consultant. Tim Eldridge, President Education Services Unlimited and SEAA Craft Training and Assessment Coordinator, fulfills all of the admin support and keeps us current with NCCER practices,” added McClure.

32 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Training on demand In 2023, SEAA invested in offering an online Learning Management System (LMS) to members in partnership with Industrial Training International (ITI). Branded the SteelPros Training Portal, it provides members with access to custom ironworker training videos developed by SEAA’s subject matter experts. More than 80 videos developed exclusively by SEAA cover topics that align with the NCCER ironworker curriculum.

Every SEAA member can request one free account and one license to access this member benefit.

Additional licenses can be purchased for $35 each per year.

“This is a vital resource for your safety directors or training managers—a member benefit valued at more than $10,000 per member,” said Jack Nix, Membership Committee Chairman.

SEAA members also receive a 25% discount on ITI’s custom content for Field Leadership, Mobile Crane Maintenance and Operations, Rigging, and Site Hazard Recognition. Hundreds more third-party training content from organizations such as Crosby, Liebherr, Manitowoc, and Verton is free to access. In a separate agreement with The Crosby Group, SEAA members can purchase Crosby’s “User’s Guide for Lifting,” at 20% off the regular price.

“The SteelPros Training Portal is very easy to use and SEAA members can use it to track training progress for their learners.

Proper adoption of the Learning Management System can drastically improve, organize, and modernize a company’s ironworker onboarding process,” said John Hughes, Director of Business Development for ITI. The training platform was a key reason LRS Construction Services, a structural steel erector and miscellaneous metals fabricator, recently joined the association. Melissa Chumley, President, attended a Meet & Greet reception in Dallas, Texas in July at the invitation of a colleague. She came to the meeting a bit jaded at what the association could actually do for her. “Lots of organizations talk about the training or education they have, when really it’s just fluff. But I

The association promotes the annual Stand-Down to Prevent Falls.

www.ironworkers.org

IRON WORKERS INTERNATIONAL SETS THE STANDARD HIGH WITH ACCREDITED RIGGER & SIGNAL PERSON CERTIFICATION

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? MEET REQUIREMENTS OSHA’s Subpart CC requires signal person qualification by a third-party qualifier.

MEET DEMAND While an OSHA letter of interpretation recognizes apprenticeship programs that train and assess riggers and signal persons as

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, has granted accreditation to the Iron Workers International Certification Board’s (I.I.C.B.) Rigging & Signalperson Certification Program.

WHAT IS IT? Iron Workers International Certification Board’s (I.I.C.B.) Rigging & Signalperson Certification Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The I.I.C.B. joins an elite group of more than 130 organizations representing over 315 programs that have obtained NCCA accreditation.

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Third party certification comes with a hefty price

3-PART EXAM TESTING & RECERTIFICATION EVERY 5 YEARS

tag without input on testing from subject matter experts, ironworkers and their contractors. The Iron Workers’ certification eleminates the recertification cost of $500 per person.

IMPROVE SAFETY Ensuring that only trained, skilled and competent ironworkers complete rigging and signaling tasks elevates workplace safety standards and reduces risk.

IRON WORKERS RIGGING & CRANE COURSE

was impressed with the level of knowledge the presenters had and found the board members to be approachable. But it was the benefit of accessing the SteelPros Training Portal videos that pushed me to pull the trigger on joining and not just leave it on my to-do list for later,” said Chumley.

After logging in the first time and previewing several videos, she decided to integrate them into the company’s weekly 30 minute safety meeting. She likes that the content Is brief, serves as a reminder for things that should be re-addressed in the field, and leads them to find out more about safety practices that need greater exploration.

Discounts for business services SEAA looks to put strategic relationships in place with organizations that have a mutual interest in serving steel erection contractors.

One of those partnerships is with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

“No one sees the big picture quite like a steel erector--and that gives erectors a unique perspective on connections between associations as well as steel. SEAA’s relationship with AISC allows both associations to better serve erectors because we can talk openly about important issues and learn from one another,” said Todd Alwood, Vice President, Membership & Certification, AISC. “After all, we share a common goal: to build great things in structural steel! AISC helps SEAA members realize that goal by offering a big discount on various resources,” he said.

Alwood adds: “AISC is laser-focused on increasing the use of structural steel--so much so that it has invested in dedicated staff on the ground in key markets across the country. These structural steel specialists are tasked with educating and building relationships with architects, engineers, and other decision-makers to show specifiers why structural steel is the best choice for a given project.”

AISC also funds research on the latest innovations, leads legislation efforts, and develops the standards and specifications that guide steel design and construction around the world.

“SEAA erector members get 50% off AISC associate membership–and those savings add up fast. Associate members get 50% off

associate membership application dues schedule ERECTOR TAUC/SEAA/IMPACT Member Erector

$1,000

(proof of current membership required) Non-Member Erector

$2,000

some of AISC’s most valuable resources, like seminars, webinars, conference registration, and all publications, including the newly released 16th-edition Steel Construction Manual,” he explained.

Two other services worth mentioning are the CareerPlug applicant tracking system and the BBSI Work Comp insurance program.

More than just a job board, CareerPlug provides a branded careers web page and helps hiring managers with writing job descriptions, interviewing, and tips on hiring. SEAA members can upgrade to Pro or Premium levels at discounted rates. “For the money, the interactive dashboard includes automation features that make hiring way more efficient,” said Jack Nix. “I’ve used other similar platforms for my company and know that this is a good value for members.”

The BBSI Workers’ Comp Insurance Program provides SEAA members an immediate 10% discount on their work comp premium. There is also a chance to earn a 5% return on your premium based on injury performance, and for companies that are seeking to achieve and maintain AISC certification, reimbursements are available.

However, the new program SEAA has rolled out with BBSI is about more than discounted insurance. “There’s a popular misconception

Basic Level Career Plug subscription is free to SEAA Members, and they can upgrade at deep discounts to the fuller-featured Pro and Premium Levels.

34 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

in the industry about experience modifier ratings (EMR, also known as “mods”). Many business leaders tend to view the EMR as something that’s beyond their control and unfairly penalizes their workers’ compensation insurance costs. They often believe it focuses on problematic situations and poor claims management,” explains Tucker Smith, BBSI Area Manager, Carolinas.

He explains: BBSI believes that the EMR is a direct reflection of a company’s day-to-day management, similar to how a credit score reflects finances. While some accidents are unavoidable, the data used in the EMR calculation (wages, claim count, and claim cost) is often a direct quantitative assessment of how well a business hires, manages, trains, and deals with employees.

“BBSI believes that any company has the ability to change its circumstances to the point where its EMR becomes a competitive advantage that helps them to win more bids and secure insurance at a lower cost than its competitors,” said Smith.

Flawless Steel Welding is one member who found that the Work Comp program not only addressed compliance and cost control needs, but also gave them guidance on implementing best practices to better manage their risks.

“This has been a game-changer for Flawless Steel Welding and holds significant potential for other SEAA members. Its ability to address compliance, control costs, enhance safety culture, and provide tailored solutions sets it apart in the industry. For Flawless Steel Welding, the program has not only improved our operations but has also played a crucial role in strengthening our position in the steel industry,” said Victor Garcia, President, Flawless Steel Welding.

Key to his experience is that BBSI tailored its solutions to the specific needs of a steel welding fabricator and erector.

“This customized solution perfectly aligned with our business requirements,” he said.

“BBSI focuses on proactive risk management, helping us prevent accidents and claims. This approach is not only cost-effective but also helps us maintain a safer work environment,” said Garcia.

Upon partnering with BBSI, each client is assigned a dedicated team of subject matter experts in the areas of employee management, candidate recruiting, workplace safety (loss control), payroll administration, and business strategy. “The BBSI team serves as a business management consultant helping to facilitate strategic conversations inside your organization to find root causes to challenges and inspire innovative ways of thinking,” said Smith.

“These are just a few of the tangible and intangible benefits that come with SEAA membership,” said Pete Gum. Membership gives companies access to resources that would cost exponentially more if they were purchased outright. In some cases, discounts would not even be available to companies on their own.

“Don’t be fooled by the word ‘erector’ in the name of the association,” concludes Pat Dunn, Vice President L&D Steel USA. “There are way more than just structural steel erectors in this association—rebar placers, fabricators, decking contractors, suppliers, and more. For us SEAA is the best bang for our buck, but membership only has value if you participate and use the resources available.”

•

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

By Tim Neubauer, MS, CSP, JoAnn Dankert, CSP, CHMM, CIT, and Kimberly Kemp, PhD

What Employers Need to Know to ensure Training is Effective

I

n the contemporary workplace, the era of one-sizefits-all instructional paradigms is effectively over.

This is particularly the case in complex, high-stakes industries like steel erection. In such fields, training isn’t a mere formality but a crucial process that ensures not only competency but also safety. A misstep or misunderstanding can result in serious injury or even loss of life, making the stakes exceedingly high.

In-house trainers can be more effective when they take a comprehensive approach and understand their audience.

In the 21st century, steel erection training requires more than rote learning. Workers require a deep understanding and practical application of complex principles, ranging from physics to safety regulations. The risks of getting it wrong are not just financial but can be human as well. With increasing technological complexity and a more diverse workforce, the one-size-fits-all model has become obsolete.

Adapting content and delivery Today’s workforce is incredibly diverse, not only in terms of demographic factors like age, ethnicity, and educational background but also in terms of learning styles.

According to the Cone of Learning developed by Edgar Dale, the retention rate for different types of educational activities varies widely. For instance, people generally remember only 10% of what they read but as much as 90% of what they do or teach others.

Emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality offer unprecedented opportunities to adapt training to individual needs and to integrate more hands-on learning. For example, virtual reality scenarios can simulate the high-risk, high-stakes environment of a steel erection project, providing workers with a safe space to practice skills and procedures. A 2020 study by Price Waterhouse highlighted that trainees retained over 80% of the material through virtual reality training, compared to much lower retention rates for traditional methods. Moreover, this

Tim Neubauer, MS, CSP, is the founder of Exceed Safety. With training experience and content development in the workplace spanning 5 decades, his expertise forms a cornerstone of safety training methodologies.

JoAnn Dankert, CSP, CHMM, CIT, is recognized in the ANSI standard on training and has been a dedicated NSC content creator for several decades. Her contributions in safety standards and instructional design have significantly influenced industry best practices.

Kimberly Kemp, PhD, specializes in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. A National Board Certified Teacher, she brings 29 years of high school English teaching experience, coupled with 20 years mentoring beginning teachers and imparting knowledge at the college level.

Learn more at ResnickSG.com.

36 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

kind of training can be completed in a fraction of the time, leading to cost savings and quicker deployment of skilled workers.

The notion that longer training hours automatically yield better results is not just archaic; it’s fundamentally flawed. Extended periods of training can lead to cognitive overload and disengagement, often achieving the opposite of the intended outcome. Training should focus on quality over quantity, incorporating adaptive learning modules that learners can complete at their own pace. This is another reason virtual reality or simulation-based training is so effective.

Moreover, an emphasis on outcomes and real-world application of skills provides a more accurate barometer for training effectiveness than mere “seat time.” The introduction of microlearning modules, which break down complex topics into bite-sized, manageable pieces, has revolutionized the way training programs can be structured.

These modules can be tailored to suit individual learning pathways, further ensuring that trainees can learn and review material in a way that aligns with their cognitive preferences.

Effective instructors are more than just SMEs An instructor’s capability is not just determined by his or her grasp of the subject matter or their teaching skill. Personal attributes like enthusiasm, patience, empathy, and the ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner are often what set great instructors apart from merely competent ones. These soft skills enable the formation of a learning environment where trainees feel encouraged, valued, and understood—key factors in enhancing engagement and facilitating effective learning.

A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified qualities such as empathy and mental alertness as essential traits for trainers in high-risk environments like steel erection. These human factors often serve as the glue that binds the more technical aspects of a training program, ensuring that it resonates with trainees on a deeply personal level.

While empathy is key, at the same time, instructors must be objective facilitators. This is especially important for industries where differing methodologies and approaches can lead to varied—and sometimes conflicting—outcomes.

Instructors must strike a delicate balance between showcasing their expertise and remaining objective. This means setting aside personal preferences or ingrained habits to present information in a way that is both comprehensive and neutral, allowing trainees to form their own conclusions based on evidence and best practices.

Failure to do so can create an environment where learners are unable to critically engage with the material, undermining the ultimate goal of any training program—real-world application and long-term retention of skills. Virtual reality and simulation training that uses data to guide instruction helps to remove training bias.

Finally, instructors must know their audience. Without a comprehensive understanding of who is being trained, even the most skilled instructor and most well-designed course can fall flat. Understanding and adapting training to different cultural, linguistic, and even generational needs cannot be overstated.

For example, younger generations may prefer digital, interactive learning platforms, while older employees might be more comfortable

with traditional lecture-based formats. An instructor’s awareness of these preferences, along with the flexibility to adapt to them, is key for maximizing engagement and retention.

Measuring success

A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified qualities such as empathy and mental alertness as essential traits for trainers in high-risk environments like steel erection.

Traditionally, the success of training programs has been measured through end-of-course tests, feedback forms, and completion rates.

While these metrics provide some level of insight into the effectiveness of a program, they don’t offer a complete picture. For industries like steel erection, a more nuanced approach to evaluation is needed.

Continuous evaluation mechanisms, such as real-world simulations, can better measure the practical application of skills. Peer feedback and mentor evaluations can offer insights into team dynamics and collaborative skill sets, which are often as crucial as technical skills in complex work environments.

Post-training interviews and long-term follow-ups can gauge the lasting impact of training, providing data on how well skills and knowledge have been retained and applied in realworld scenarios.

With technological advancements like augmented reality, AI-based learning platforms, virtual and simulated delivery methods, and real-time performance analytics, we have the tools to revolutionize how training is delivered and assessed.

For training in the steel erection industry to be productive, it's imperative to continue evolving our approaches, experimenting with new methodologies, and rigorously evaluating their effectiveness.

•

1-866-733-3272

38 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Connector | WINTER EDITION December 2023 | 39

TOPPING OUT “We’re all competitors, but we’re not competitors here [in safety and training], and it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve been a part of a lot of associations and none of them do it as well as this group does.”

Bryan McClure, Trivent Safety Consulting.

Meet New Members Check out the Member Directory at SEAA.net

Agate Steel, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, is an AISC Certified Fabricator that provides fabricated structural steel services for all market sectors.

Bishop Lifting Products, Houston, Texas, has the deep expertise, services, and support to solve both routine and complex lifting challenges. Recruited by: Tracy Bennett, Mighty Mo Media Partners Caddo Mills Construction, Caddo, Texas. Recruited by: David Deem, Deem Structural Services Central Texas Steel Erectors, Leander, Texas, provides the greater Austin area with turn key steel and metal building construction, excavation, and renovation.

New Directors from the West Join SEAA Board SEAA announces that Victor Garcia and Lee Shaw have been named to the association’s board of directors for three-years terms that began in July 2023. “As our membership extends west, we value the input these directors have about the interests and needs of fabricators and erectors based in western states,” said R. Pete Gum, Executive Director.

Garcia is President of Flawless Steel Welding, Denver, Colorado. The company is an AISC Certified Fabricator and Erector, offering steel fabrication, steel erection, general welding and shear stud welding services. The company is the recipient of several SEAA Project of the Year awards, the SEAA Safety Excellence award, as well as several small business and minority business recognitions.

Garcia serves on the Strategic Planning Committee and has spearheaded local Peer Group meetings in Colorado.

Shaw makes a return to the board after first serving in the early 1990s. He is currently a business consultant for BZI, an erector based in Utah, which is revolutionizing steel construction with new, proprietary construction methods. The company was founded in 2016 and in 2020 acquired S.L. Shaw Company, Bakersfield, California, from Lee Shaw.

Shaw brings decades of experience not only in steel erection, but also in consulting erectors on achieving AISC certification.

Core Matters, Franklin, Tennessee, utilizes its Core Fit Hiring System to help small and medium-sized businesses hire better people faster. Recruited by: Jack Nix, Shelby Erectors Eugenio Painting Company, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, specializes in industrial and commercial painting, corrosion control, and specialty coatings.

Fascan International, Baltimore, Maryland, is a family-owned manufacturer of articulating cranes with more than 45 years of innovative manufacturing and engineering expertise. Recruited by: Tracy Bennett, Mighty Mo Media Partners ITW Commercial Construction North America, Glenview, Illinois. Recruited by: Drew Heron, Empire Steel Jack O. Blair Corporation, Spring, Texas, is a supplier of high-performance wire ropes, safety cables, plum cables, cable clamps, turnbuckles, and cable rail components. Recruited by: David Deem, Deem Structural Services.

40 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Victor Garcia

Lee Shaw

EMPLOYEE OWNED

Meet New Members Check out the Member Directory at SEAA.net

LGH, Bridgeview, Illinois, manufactures hoists, pulls, jacking, and rigging equipment to meet virtually every conceivable lifting or moving need. Recruited by: David Deem, Deem Structural Services LRS Construction Services LP, Cleburne, Texas, specializes in miscellaneous metals and custom fabrication. Recruited by: Nat Kilpatrick, Basden Steel

U.S. Contractors Lost Almost $40 Billion from Poor Productivity Contractors lost between $30 billion and $40 billion in 2022 due to poor labor productivity, according to a new report from FMI Corp. The survey focused on self-performing contractors, those typically engaged as a trade partner to a general contractor.

The report details the major challenges that must be addressed to improve productivity for the industry.

Including, both internal and external obstacles that contractors face in their pursuit of performance optimization, and the key management practices and traits of high-performing contractors, including planning behaviors, project controls and support for the field.

CONSTRUCTION LABOR PRODUCTIVITY: THE $20 BILLION OPPORTUNITY

Monolith Steel Company, Inc., is a Structural and miscellaneous Steel Contractor based in Bakersfield, California. Recruited by: Lee Shaw, BZI Steel New Millennium, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, is a division of Steel Dynamics Inc. that engineers and manufactures a full range of steel joists and decking for commercial construction projects. Recruited by: Glen Pisani, MAS Building and Bridge North American Rebar, Lakeland, Florida, provides expert rebar services for a wide range of projects across the southeast. Recruited by: Jack Nix, Shelby Erectors

$30 Billion to $40 Billion

3 of the Top 4

11% or More

internal factors affecting productivity are related to planning, communication and collaboration.

of field labor costs are wasted, said 60% of respondents.

4 of 5 Contractors

79% of Contractors

50% Average Increase

said low-quality design/construction documents are a top external factor stunting productivity.

could improve labor productivity by 6% or more with better management.

in profitability from a 6% productivity improvement.

lost annually to poor productivity.

O’Kane Structural Steel Inc., San Francisco, California, provides services including the fabrication and installation of structural steel, miscellaneous metals, and architectural metal components. Recruited by: BBSI Pilot Risk Management Consulting, Greensboro, North Carolina, is an independent insurance agency providing insurance and risk management services to companies of all sizes in all business sectors.

Recruited by: Jack Nix, Shelby Erectors Quickframes, Mesa, Arizona, manufactures innovative steel components for the commercial construction industry, including QuickFrames, an adjustable roof framing system to support RTUs on buildings with open-web joists.

Ram Steel LLC, Bakersfield, California, is a General Contractor and specialty Contractor that serves that specializes in structural steel and roofing. Recruited by: Lee Shaw, BZI Steel, and David Deem, Deem Structural Services RiggSafe Solutions, Inc., Tellico Plains, Tennessee, aims to promote safe, useful, and efficient training and field references for riggers, job superintendents, engineers, and planners.

Searcy Construction Services, Pittsburg, Texas.

Recruited by: David Deem, Deem Structural Services Top Flight Steel, Rhome, Texas, has experience in all aspects of Class A Structural Tilt-Up Panel Erection Services, including estimating, contract negotiation, project management, supervision, and quality control. Recruited by: Nathan Sizemore, Columbia Safety and Supply

UP NEXT

42 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Member Directory Craft Training Hiring Lift Directors

KEY FINDINGS Van Beest North America, Houston, Texas, manufacturer of lifting, lashing, and mooring fittings.

Recruited by: Lisa Frank, Elephant Lifting

Working Athlete, Fountain Hills, Arizona, is commit- 2 ted to improving the health and performance of companies through nutritional hydration and education.

Spring Edition March 2024 Ad Deadline: February 26, 2024 Chris.Harrison@seaa.net 660-287-7660

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ConnectorPOWERFUL | WINTERPARTNERSHIPS. EDITION December 2023 |RESULTS. 43 POWERFUL